Many people think heart disease mainly affects men, but it’s actually the leading cause of death for women too.
One reason it often goes unnoticed in women is that the symptoms can be different and harder to recognize. Knowing what to look for could help catch the disease early, when treatment works best.
Men often feel strong chest pain or pressure during a heart attack. Women, on the other hand, may have milder or different symptoms. This can delay getting help or lead to the wrong diagnosis.
Research shows that women are more likely to have “atypical” symptoms. These can include feeling very tired, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
For example, one study found that almost 70% of women who had a heart attack said they felt very tired or weak in the days or weeks before. This wasn’t normal tiredness—it was deep exhaustion that didn’t go away, even with rest.
Shortness of breath is another warning sign. It might happen during simple tasks like walking up stairs or carrying groceries—even without chest pain. Some women feel discomfort in places like the arms, shoulders, back, or stomach.
These symptoms can be mistaken for indigestion or stress, but they could be signs that the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Women with heart disease may also have trouble sleeping. Studies show that poor sleep can raise the risk of heart problems by causing high blood pressure and inflammation in the body.
Heart disease can sneak up slowly. A condition called atherosclerosis causes fatty buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup can go unnoticed for years until it causes serious blockage. That’s why it’s important for women to understand their risk factors and take action early.
Some major risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and a family history of heart disease. Hormone changes after menopause can also raise the risk.
To stay heart-healthy, women should pay attention to their bodies. If something feels wrong—even if the symptoms seem small or unusual—it’s better to see a doctor. Catching problems early can help prevent a heart attack or serious damage.
Women can also take steps to lower their risk. Eating a healthy diet, staying active, quitting smoking, managing stress, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a healthy range all help. Regular checkups with a doctor are important for keeping track of heart health.
In conclusion, heart disease in women often looks different than it does in men. It can show up as fatigue, sleep problems, or mild pain in unusual areas. Being aware of these early signs and listening to your body can make all the difference. Don’t ignore strange symptoms—your heart might be sending you an important message.
If you care about heart health, please read studies that yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease, and coconut sugar could help reduce artery stiffness.
For more information about health, please see recent studies that Vitamin D deficiency can increase heart disease risk, and results showing vitamin B6 linked to lower death risk in heart disease.
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